The records of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Michigan are divided into eight series: State Coordinating Committee Files; Outreach Programs, Panels And Workshops; Publicity And Publications; Topical Files; County Chapter Files; Visual Materials; Sound recordings; and Correspondence.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a nationwide nonprofit organization of women and men dedicated to reducing the number of alcohol and other drug-related traffic accidents and to supporting the victims of accidents caused by impaired driving. Founded in California in 1980 by Candy Lightner, the mother of a teenage hit-and-run victim, MADD chapters have organized across the country, usually at the county level. A state coordinating committee (SCC), comprised of one representative from each county chapter, coordinates an information-sharing network throughout the state. As a "grassroots" organization, MADD emphasizes working on a local level, and national programs are implemented by the county chapters, with the guidance of the SCC. These programs include public awareness campaigns, youth education, victim services and working toward tougher anti-impaired driver legislation and regulations.
Organization of MADD chapters in Michigan began with a steering group in February 1982. The Wayne County chapter functioned as both local and state headquarters under the leadership of Lee Landes. In 1986, all state coordinating functions were transferred to the Midland County Chapter. Bethany Goodman, a founding member of the Midland Chapter, was hired as Executive Director of MADD, Michigan and the organization entered a new, more professionalized era.
During these years, over twenty additional county chapters were chartered throughout the state. Chapter guidelines, fundraising advisories, and publicity materials were provided for each new chapter by the State of Michigan Coordinating Committee. The Michigan SCC changed its name to the Michigan State Organization in May 1991. This body meets three times annually and in addition to new chapter business, hears from several subcommittees, including Executive, Legislative, and Finance. Although the policies and materials developed by the state organization must not conflict with those of the national organization, the Michigan State Organization has maintained a certain autonomy.
Among the more notable programs sponsored by MADD, Michigan are the statewide candlelight vigils held each December to remember those who have lost their lives in alcohol-related traffic accidents. Two other Holiday-oriented programs are the free taxi service known as "LifeRide," which is co-sponsored by MADD and other civic/business organizations in several Michigan cities on New Year's Eve, and Project Red Ribbon, which urges community members to tie red ribbons on his or her car to show commitment to driving sober. In recent years MADD has developed more programs geared toward educating youth about the dangers of drinking and driving, including Keep It A Safe Summer (KISS) and a Poster/Essay contest for students in grades 1-12. MADD, Michigan also holds various workshops in order to form coalitions with other groups. They have also implemented Victim Impact Panels, providing a forum for convicted drunk drivers to hear victims tell their stories.
